2012 annual report - tinton falls€¦ · shore, we have experienced change in big ways and small....

Tinton Falls Public Library

2012 Annual Report

2 Tinton Falls Library 2012 Annual Report

Table of Contents

Page 3 President of the Board ………. Rosemary Kochman 5 Library Director ………. Kim James 6 Financial Review ……… Kim James 8 Recording Secretary ………. Ellen Illies 9 Corresponding Secretary ………. Pam Schaible 9 Book Committee ………. Carol Zlotkin 10 Audio Committee ………. Linda Cicalese 11 Personnel Committee ………. Pam Zern-Coviello Elizabeth Gass Brian Perry 12 Membership Committee ………. Brian Perry 13 Volunteers ………. Ashley Carvagno 14 Circulation ………. Kim James Sue Leanza 15 Children’s Programs

Wednesday ………. Kate Benedict Friday ………. Christine Anderson Teresa Cuesta 16 Vacation Reading Club ………. Kate Benedict Christine Anderson 17 Teen Volunteer Program ………. Teresa Cuestra

Christine Anderson Natalie DeAngelo

19 Board of Trustees - Members and Officers 2011-2012 20 Staff and Committees 22 Association Members


A Word from the President

CELEBRATE CHANGE

How many of us are at that age where, if not resistant to change, are uncomfortable with a change in routine, schedule or habit? When we see a “detour” sign on our normal road to work, the supermarket, the bank or doctor’s office, do we get frustrated or annoyed that we have to find another route? I know that I do. But change, for the most part, is good. Change teaches us to be flexible, to find better ways of doing things, to learn new things and to improve on what we have. And here at the Jersey Shore, we have experienced change in big ways and small. Hurricane Sandy brought change to us in the most horrific way possible. It devastated so many of our communities and so many of our families, friends and neighborhoods. But in its aftermath, Hurricane Sandy brought out the best in us. So many people volunteered (and are still doing so) their time, their labor and their money to see that our shore communities recover as quickly as possible. It also showed us that there is a need to be cognizant of the earth’s changes, and that we need to adapt to those changes in where we live and where we build. On a much smaller scale, the Tinton Falls Public Library has experienced changes also. In August of last year, our Director of two years, Ellen O’Brien, resigned from her position at the Library. Ellen was instrumental in her too short time with us in bringing the Library into the “social media” age by updating our webpage, creating a Facebook page for the Library to inform our patrons about library events, and publish photos and giving us an internet presence. In the interim, while we conducted a search for a new Director, we were fortunate to hire Flora Higgins to oversee the daily operation of the Library so that we would continue to provide the same friendly and excellent service without interruption. Flora was instrumental in weeding out and organizing an accumulation of material from the last few years. When Flora left, we were ready for our new Director. We cannot find words to express our gratitude to Flora for stepping in on short notice and for keeping us steady through our search. In December, Kim James was hired as our new Director. Kim comes to us with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, and is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Communication. She has worked at the New York Public Library, and has an extensive corporate background in communication solutions, marketing, human resources, social media content and interpersonal relationships. In just a few short months, Kim has suggested ways to improve the operations of the Library and to communicate better with our patrons and our community. I would be remiss if I did not commend and thank the staff of our Library for carrying on the work of the Library through all these changes. They did a wonderful job, and have received praise from both Flora and Kim for their commitment to our Library, their professionalism and their cooperation with Flora, Kim and each other.


Change also came to the Library with the passing of our former President, our former Mayor and the greatest booster of Tinton Falls, Ann McNamara. Besides the years she spent as Mayor, Ann spent many years on the Board of Trustees of the Library and was our biggest supporter. She was anywhere and everywhere, whenever we needed help, willing to volunteer, to serve on committees and to call one of her many contacts when we needed support. Ann knew everyone! She will be greatly missed, but she will be remembered with fondness and gratitude. And finally, the last change…….me. In May of last year, I was elected to be President of the Board of Trustees. Certainly, my first year has been full of challenges and changes. But with the support of the Board of Trustees, Director Kim James and the excellent staff, I am hopeful that this next year, we will all learn new ways of doing things and improve on what we have. But one thing will always remain: our commitment to our patrons and our community to provide the best programming and service possible.

Rosemary Kochman President of the Board of Trustees


Director’s Message

In 2012, New Jersey was devastated by Hurricane Sandy, impacting local communities everywhere throughout the state. Many of our sister libraries were adversely affected in a multitude of ways: structural damage to their buildings, collections and overall communities. The Monmouth Beach, Oceanport and Sea Bright libraries are still awaiting reconstruction. Our hearts are with the communities who suffered such catastrophic losses but we know they will rebuild and continue to once again become the integral parts of their communities they were before the storm.

Here in Tinton Falls, we are grateful to report that our library was only closed for a total of 11 days. We quickly worked together to provide a safe haven for our community members, one in which they could charge their electronics, stay in a warm environment and connect with their neighbors during a time of crisis. It is a testament to the cohesion and sense of family makes the Tinton Falls library a staple in our community, as well as a testament to the resolve and commitment of the employees, the volunteers and patrons who support our library.

In an era of measuring everything in financial terms, how does one measure the care and concern community members have for one another? While we are constantly checking our circulation numbers and balance sheets, they can’t measure camaraderie. It is only measured in person, the spirit and compassion that is a hallmark of this town and community. We are pleased to serve this amazing community for yet another year and look forward to many more years of service both in good times and bad.

Kim James, Director


Financial Review

125,775.00

4,775.97 5,287.35

Tinton Falls Borough Contributions & Fundraising Fees & Income 0

20,000

40,000

60,000

80,000

100,000

120,000

140,000

U.S

. Dol

lars

Source of Funds

Total Funds Received: Total: $135,838.32

89,734.20

14,765.62

1,445.95 398.71 5,801.97

0

10,000

20,000

30,000

40,000

50,000

60,000

70,000

80,000

90,000

100,000

Salary, Benefits & Taxes

Books, Media & Periodicals

Technology & Programs

Maintenance & Capital

Utilities & Operating

U.S

. Dol

lars

Use of Funds

Total Use of Funds: $130,442.46


Total Tinton Falls Library Assets, Liabilities and Equity

144,026.32

2,200.00

141,826.32

131,323.75

3,590.00

127,733.73

Assets

Liabilities

Equity

In U.S. Dollars

2011

2012


Recording Secretary’s Report

The Board of Directors of the Tinton Falls Public Library meets in the Eric and Dorothy Holmgren Community Meeting Room at the Library at 7pm, usually on the first Thursday of each month. There are no meetings in December or during the summer unless needed. Eight meetings were held in 2012, with an average of 14 people attending each. Elections were held during the annual meeting in May. Sitting Board President Linda Zucaro asked for nominations from the floor for the position of President. None were offered. Rosemary Kochman, who was nominated by committee, ran unopposed. She was elected, all in favor. Linda Z. then asked for nominations from the floor for the position of Treasurer. There were no further nominations. The nominating committee had put forward Betty Gass, the current office holder, who ran unopposed. She was re-elected with all in favor. The current members up for reelection were Alison D., Ellen I., Barbara R., Pam S., Pam Z.C., and Linda Z. All the above members were reelected.

-The following are highlights from Board Meetings in 2012-

April – A public meeting was held covering the Community Block Development Grant application that the Borough submitted on behalf of the Library. This grant would enable us to improve accessibility and create an addition including two ADA compliant bathrooms.

September – The first section of the Personnel Manual was reviewed. Frankie L. made a motion to accept this section with a few corrections. Barbara R. seconded the motion which passed with none opposed. October – Rosemary K. moved that the Board authorize Betty G. to have a review performed this year, not an audit. Brian P. seconded the motion. After some discussion, the motion passed with none opposed. - Brian P. moved to extend borrowing privileges to MRHS teachers who present a school ID card. Betty G. seconded the motion which passed, all in favor.

Copies of each month’s minutes are available upon request.

Ellen Illies, Recording Secretary


Corresponding Secretary’s Report

The responsibility of the Corresponding Secretary includes handling the correspondence of the Library and notifying members of monthly and special meetings. This year the majority of the outgoing correspondence directed by the Executive Board pertained to get well wishes, thank you notes for donations, and acknowledgements to the family.

Pam Schaible, Corresponding Secretary

Book Selection Committee Report

Accepting the baton from the former Book Selection Committee in December 2011, the current Book Selection Committee reorganized and set meeting dates and times as the third Thursday of each month, promptly at 10 am at the Library. The Committee, at that time, was comprised of Carol Zlotkin, Chair, Joanne Anfuso, Barbara Gregory, Betsy Haas, Mike Sontrap and Jill Gordon. At the reorganization meeting, members received a list of authors whose works were sent to Tinton Falls by Monmouth County on a pre-arranged basis. They also received a chart reflecting the most robust circulation totals within the confines of Dewey Decimal Classifications so that all members would know where readers’ interests were. Members were also cautioned at this time to be aware of the difference between “must have” advertising and “must have” critical evaluations that alert libraries of trends or movements to which the readership may be subject. With the mission of meeting the community’s pleasure and academic reading, reference and research, Committee members scour all sources for titles and subject matter. Recommendations are made and discussed prior to lists being turned in to the Head Librarian. Despite a number of personnel changes, the Committee (Carol, Joanne, Barbara and now Joyce Gray) is currently meeting every other month. An average of 70-80 titles is generated in the hope of having our patrons confident that they’ll be able to read or secure information they want at their own local library. Carol Zlotkin, Book Selection Committee


Audio Committee Report

The Tinton Falls Library Audio Committee, which currently includes Dean Becca, Linda Cicalese, Ann Connolly, Betty Gass and Rosemary Tunnicliffe, met three times in 2012. We purchased 66 new titles to add to the library’s collection. In addition to the ones we own, the county adds a circulating collection to augment ours. Most of our recent additions were fiction, ranging from thrillers, mysteries, “good for the soul” themes and historical narratives and memoirs. When the Audio Committee meets, we each bring a list of our choices. Each list has been checked against the library’s audio collection and readers’ reviews. (I personally rely on how many people have sent in reviews to Amazon.com on a particular audio book and how many stars it averaged. I will not consider buying something with less than a 3.5 star rating.) It’s often difficult to choose from such a wide array of titles and even familiar authors turn in a less than wonderful performance on occasion. Sometimes the reader is sub par or the other extreme, fantastic! Then we “lobby” for our favorite picks. This year’s new titles will take you from the slums of Mumbai to the chilly climate of Norway. You can time travel from the sixteenth century royal English court to the Roaring Twenties right here at home. Play the “what if” game that Stephen King has created in 11/22/63. We hope that you enjoy what we have chosen this year and welcome any suggestions or comments on future purchases. Linda Cicalese, Chairperson


Personnel Committee During 2012 our Director Ellen O’Brien tendered her resignation effective at the beginning of September. Her services will be missed as she brought our library forward in areas of technology, public awareness and collection development. The Personnel Committee quickly found an Interim Director- Flora Higgins- on a temporary basis and reopened their search for a new Director. The Board approved the hiring of Kim James as the new Director, starting January 2013. The library also accepted the resignation of Brenda Walenczyk in August 2012, a part-time staff member doing cataloguing and other library functions. Brenda always felt that our library was a valued part of the Tinton Falls community and her work reflected this approach. During August 2012, the Board also received the resignation of Grace Schwartz, a valued Board Member for over 50 years! Grace will be missed for her dedication and contributions to the Board of Trustees. This year, Rosemary Kochman, Betty Gass & Pam Zern-Coviello worked diligently to complete the updates and revisions to the Tinton Falls Personnel Policy Manual, and thanks to the Board for their support in these efforts. Through all of this change and riding out Super Storm Sandy, the staff of the Tinton Falls Library stepped up to the plate by giving all their energy to keeping up the high level of our library services and still being viewed as a cultural focus of our community.

Pam Zern-Coviello, Personnel Committee


Library Association Membership

The 2012 Library Association membership totaled 63 members. The association collected $2,560 in membership contributions and donations. Of the 63 members, 18 joined at the book sponsor level. Book sponsors had their name in a book plate fixed to a new book in the library circulation. The Membership Committee was represented with a table during the Tinton Falls Community Day in October. Two teen volunteers helped prepare the table & display for the event as well as distribute membership flyers and association bookmarks. Brian Perry, Vice President


Volunteers

In 2012, the Tinton Falls Library continued to be supported by a wide variety of enthusiastic volunteers. The library is well known for its commitment to the community and has been able to continue to provide this through its teen and adult volunteers. In addition to our regular and long time volunteers, the library added a number of new volunteers to the roster this year. Our volunteers help with a number of different tasks including story times, shelving books, helping patrons at the circulation desk, and helping with small projects such as signs for our displays. Of course in addition, the entire board is made up of dedicated volunteers who have committed themselves to offering guidance, support and leadership to the library for years.

Ashley Carvagno, Volunteer Coordinator

We’d like to thank the following Tinton Falls Volunteers for their time and dedication:

Tom Bateman Claude Campbell

Marguerita DeGregorio Natalie Fiore

Emily Illies Vic Ransom Alison Ruff

Mildred Taylor Pat Verrone Al Wagner

Joanne Walsh Linda Zuccaro


Tinton Falls Collection and Circulation Numbers

32,936

864 696 2762

18,095

Total Books in Collection

Total Music CDs in Collection

Total Audio Books in Collection

Total DVDs in Collection

Total Electronic Titles in Collection

0

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

30,000

35,000

TF Collection

30,096

20,304

33,978

1,101

Total Adult Items Circulated

Total Juvenile Items Circulate

Total Number of Patron Visits

Total Number of Internet Users

0

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

30,000

35,000

40,000


Children’s Programming

The children’s programming at the library has remained consistent in attendance and programming focus. There were some new additions to the programming schedule that were well received. A Lego storytime was held for the first time this year at the library. It was a great success and the children loved the new activity. We tried to bring in more events that would encourage people to visit the library. Our read to a dog program also continued this year. Movie programs are still held during school breaks for parents looking for activities the whole family can participate in. The special monthly crafts continued through the year. The children made crafts such as; clay sculptures, Shrinky Dink key chains, baseball hats, matchbox like cars, wind-chimes, pumpkin painting, Indian corn pins, and plaster ornaments. These craft days have become very popular at the library. The last week of October, Hurricane Sandy hit New Jersey. The library closed the two following weeks so there was no children’s programming. The community rebounded and attendance returned to normal by the end of November.

Kate Benedict, Monmouth County Library Children’s Librarian


Vacation Reading Club

The summer reading program was quite easy to run this year. Having implemented the on-line program last year, we were able to use the same parameters on the program that were set up last year. Many of the patrons are familiar with the computer program and jumped right in. I also worked with the staff to streamline the whole program by cutting down on more of the paper work now that the registration is on-line. All the large programs were moved to the Borough Hall meeting rooms to give us more space. With the addition of teen volunteers this year the programs all went very well. The library’s kickoff party for summer reading featured a wonderful animal program by “Eyes on the Wild”. The summer crafts this year consisted of; a seashell frame, glow in the dark Fuse bead fish magnets, chocolate dipped marshmallow Smores, and lightning bug jars. The end of summer reading picnic was held indoors this year due to bad weather, but was still a great success. Miss Mellissa of Aardvark Music performed a musical program for our party. The library provided pizza for the party instead of making hotdogs. By making the change we did not have to do any cooking, additional set-up, so we also did not need extra volunteers. Parents also, donated lots of great food and drinks which made the day a lot of fun.

Kate Benedict, Monmouth County Library Children’s Librarian


2012 Teen Volunteer Programs

Library Coordinators: Christine Anderson, Teresa Cuesta and Natalie DeAngelo Teen Volunteers There are three groups of teen volunteers at the library. The participants are in grades 6-8. Two groups are identical in focus, but meet on different days (Tues and Wed) to accommodate the large number of teens that wish to volunteer here. The third group meets on Mondays and has participated in both Pajama Story Time and Puppet Theater.

• Tues & Wed Teen Volunteers: (17 volunteers) Teens volunteer once a week at the library after school from 2:30 until 3:45. Their responsibilities involved a variety of jobs including: shelving books, straightening and “reading” shelves, desk duties, helping with the intake process of videos, DVDs and exchange books from the county, assisting patrons, changing the outdoor sign to promote library programs, and creating signage and displays for juvenile books and programs. This program continued during the summer and included an organized program of library skill training. Several volunteers who have completed the program have become regular library volunteers.

• Mon Teen Volunteers: For the first half of the year the teens provided a Pajama Story

Time, and for the later part of the year, the teens provided a Puppet Theater. These programs were held for children from ages 2-6. Both programs provided a production and a craft for the children. Attendance: 9 months, 30 children.

For the Pajama Story Time, the volunteers attended 2 prep times a month on selected Monday afternoons after school from 2:30-3:45pm. Teens were responsible for selecting appropriate books, preparing craft materials and samples, practicing finger plays and creating signs to advertise and promoting the event. They also got to practice their public speaking skills during prep times and at the story time. The Pajama Story Time was held on the last Monday evening of the month, which required the teens to set up and be present from 6:30-8:00pm.

For the later part of the year, the teen volunteers were responsible for Puppet Theater.

Teens each took turns providing their unique take on character development, sound effects, music and presenting. Their responsibilities were creating advertising for the event, developing the characters, public speaking, craft creations and crafting with the children who attend the program. The Puppet Theater was held on the last Monday evening of the month, which required the teens to set up and be present from 6:30-8:00pm.

Book Bingo: The purpose of this club is to reach more school-aged children with our programs, grades K-3. Bingo Boards were constructed using .jpeg pictures of book covers from books for this age group. This program is run by one staff member (Teresa Cuesta) and one high school volunteer. The high school volunteer comes monthly to set up the boards, assist the children in finding the books, and clean-up. Children received a free book and stickers for winning boards (everyone wins!). Attendence: 12 months, 59 children.


Party: A teen celebration party was held in March at the Monmouth Mall. The teens enjoyed watching “The Hunger Games” and having pizza afterwards. 13 teens attended and had a great time!

Teen volunteers also participated in the following events:

• Vacation Reading Club picnic: 15 teens assisted. Their responsibilities included setting up and taking down the picnic, organizing several different activities and manning the food tables.

• Teens also participated in the Barnes & Noble fundraiser in December by wrapping gifts

at the gift-wrapping table. Wrapping table teens raised money through tips from very generous shoppers. Monies will go to supplying the teen volunteer groups with parties, food, movies, materials, or whatever is in our budget.


Library Board 2011 – 2012

Officers President Rosemary Kochman Vice President Brian Perry Treasurer Betty Gass Recording Secretary Ellen Illies Corresponding Secretary Pam Schaible Trustees Linda Cicalese 2011 Alison DeVito 2012 Betty Gass 2011 Ellen Illies 2012 Rosemary Kochman 2013 Frankie Listo 2013 Brian Perry 2013 Victor Ransom 2011

Barbara Roselli 2013 Bob Sandberg 2010 Pam Schaible 2012 Frank Valentino 2013 Pam Zern-Coviello 2012 Linda Zucaro 2012 Joanne Anfuso Directors Director of Personnel Pam Zern-Coviello Director of Membership Brian Perry Borough Financial Officer Stephen Pfeffer Borough Liaison Christopher Pak


Staff Members

Kim James Director Christine Anderson Library Media Specialist, Teen Coordinator & Cataloging

Ashley Caravagno Cataloging and Youth Services

Teresa Cuesta Youth Services Librarian

Natalie DeAngelo Library Assistant Youth Services

Susan Leanza Cataloging

Jackie Murphy Library Assistant, Night Manager & Displays Kate Benedict MCL Children’s Librarian


Board Standing Committees

Book Committee Joanne Anfuso Barbara Gregory Carol Zlotkin Audio Committee Lucille Castro Linda Cicalese (chair) Elizabeth Gass Dean Becca Ann Connolly Personnel Committee Elizabeth Gass Brian Perry Pam Zern-Coviello (chair)


2012 Association Members


In Loving Memory of Ann Y. McNamara

1929 - 2012

2012 annual report - tinton falls€¦ · shore, we have experienced change in big ways and small....

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